Taiko Classes - For Adults, And For Kids 9+

Tamashii teaches a full range of taiko courses at 7 different ability levels.The entry point for new students is our Introduction to Taiko course. This course is organised several times a year, typically in our 2nd and 4th quarters.

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Intro To Taiko Class

Your taiko journey begins with our Introduction to Taiko course which is a special course that we run about twice a year.

Here we teach the fundamental rhythms, movements, stances, and techniques that you need for taiko drumming, as well as your first songs.

Each new student will also receive your own pair of bachi (taiko drum sticks), and our online taiko handbook, so that you can practice your taiko skills at home.

On the final week, your friends and family are invited to a graduation ceremony where you will get to show them what you've learned! You will also get to see our advanced classes perform what they have been learning.

Beginner, Improver, Intermediate, And Advanced Classes

After completing the Intro course, your class graduates to the next level, and you can progressively advance your learning through the classes as long as you like, all the way to Performer level. Our classes progress from Intro, to White zone, Green zone, Yellow zone, Silver zone, and finally Red zone.

Our classes are designed for Adults and Students (Year 9+), but we welcome school-age children (Year 1 - Year 8) who join the class with a parent or older sibling.

Taiko is suitable for any age or fitness level! We encourage a high level of energy in your playing, but our rule is only put in as much as you are comfortable with. We have students of all ages, from 10 - 85.

Where Are Classes Held?

If you live outside of Auckland, contact us - we offer special workshops for out-of-town visitors, and we may be able to connect you with a team nearer you.

How Do Tamashii's Terms Work?

Tamashii runs 4 regular class terms each year. Each regular term runs for about 10 weeks, though this can vary to 9 or 11 weeks depending our our events schedule. There are no breaks between terms except for the Christmas holiday break (when we run casual classes).

Term Fees

What To Bring

If you are unfamiliar with taiko drumming, be aware that it involves lots of movement. Wear comfortable clothing that is suitable for good exercise, and bring water and your favorite snacks as well to keep you energized.

In cold weather, a thermos of hot tea or coffee and layered clothing are usually best. You may start the class cold, but you will be very warm after the first half-hour!

Private Lessons & Workshops

Performing Taiko

Tamashii is a performing team, with usually 60+ gigs per year. Our goal is to share our passion with the world, and to grow our team as much as possible. We're also working to expand our instrument base to include Japanese flute, shamisen, and koto.

If you have performing experience or you think that you would like to reach performing level in our taiko classes, let us know! We do not require you to perform, but we encourage every class member to develop performing skills and the performers mindset. If you already know that you would like to perform with us, we can adapt the class curriculum, and give you at-home practice exercises to help you achieve that goal personally.

About Intro To Taiko

Introduction to Taiko is a special course for new beginners.

This class is focuses on fundamentals, and your first songs, and it is entirely dedicated to new students.Intro to Taiko is usually offered twice a year. On the final week, your friends and family are invited to a graduation ceremony where you will get to show them what you've learned! You will also get to see our advanced classes perform what they have been learning.Each new student will also receive your own pair of bachi (taiko drum sticks), and our online taiko handbook, so that you can practice your taiko skills at home.Students who want to continue after Intro to Taiko will graduate into our White, Green, Yellow, Silver, and Red zones as their skills develop. Those advanced terms each run for 10 weeks and are an intensive taiko study course, with students grouped in "zones" according to the songs & skills they are working on.

This course includes includes;

The full course, 90 minutes each class session. Dedicated teachers and a special class, designed specifically for new students.Your own set of bachi (drumsticks). These will belong to you, so that you can practice at home. Access to our class manual, with video instruction to help you review song material.An end-of-term graduation performance, where you can show your family and friends what you've learned. All of Tamashii's class levels will perform, so you also get to see the songs and skills the rest of our classes are learning.

What Happens After?

Following the Introduction to Taiko course your entire class will move into the "White Zone" level course, where you will begin learning more advanced skills and songs. Terms will lengthen to about 10 weeks, and all graduates of Intro to Taiko are invited to join.

Students can continue to progress through levels- each class offering a greater challenge and cooler songs to learn.

Tamashii is currently running 7 different levels of classes, the topmost being "Teachers" level, which is Tamashii's dedicated performing & teaching team.